Franklin's solar challenge draws interest

FRANKLIN — More than 50 residents have expressed a desire to install solar panels at their home or business as the town continues to gauge interest in its green energy program.

The Franklin Department of Planning and Community Development held an informational meeting on Wednesday night to call attention to its "Solar Challenge," a program modeled after the state’s Solarize Massachusetts that aims to boost the use of photovoltaic energy in town.

The more residents who sign on to have solar panels installed, the more the cost for the work drops. People can purchase a solar energy system directly or enter into a lease or power purchase agreement in which the installer will own and maintain the panels while the home or business owner purchases the power generated at a reduced rate.

Planning Director Bryan Taberner said the department will continue marketing the program and eventually hire a solar contractor. Residents seeking more information about the program can call 508-520-4907.

Nearly 80 people attended the meeting, underscoring the level of interest that town officials have seen so far.

The state program has proved successful in increasing the amount of solar energy generated in the state.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, in partnership with the state Department of Energy Resources, has accepted 15 communities into the second round of this year’s run of Solarize Massachusetts.

During the 2012-2013 Solarize Mass program, 900 residents and business owners in 21 communities signed contracts to install 5.6 megawatts of solar electricity – enough energy to power more than 800 homes.

Though Franklin has opted to create its own program, a representative from the state presented a "Solar 101" lesson on Wednesday.

Elizabeth Youngblood, a project manager with the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, said photovoltaic panels should face south because they need four to six hours of sunlight a day.

About 40 to 60 percent of the homes analyzed for a solar installation fail to meet the requirements.

Youngblood said the state offers incentives for going solar, including a tax rebate for up to $1,000. Residents can find more information at masscec.com.

The average residential system, Youngblood noted, generates five kilowatts of power.

"Over the past several years we’ve seen a reduction in cost for solar panels," Youngblood said. "As a result we’ve seen more people applying for rebates and more solar installations in the state."